Post-Secondary Bridge Program

(3 Year Post Secondary Diploma)

Bridge the gap between studio dance and a professional career.

The Bridge Program is a three year, full time post-graduate diploma program in Ballet and Contemporary Dance designated by the BC Ministry of Advanced Education, Private Training Institutions Branch. The program is recognized by both the Education Quality Assurance (EQA) and The EDUCANADA brand, part of the Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada (DFATD) and the provinces and territories through the Council of Ministers of Education Canada (CMEC). VAB is currently one of the only ballet schools in British Columbia to hold these designations, and is an active member of the Vancouver Island Private Accredited Colleges (VIPAC) association.

Successful applicants are selected through an audition process and are encouraged to explore aspects of professional dance life through the extensive curriculum led by Bridge Program Director, KerryLynn Turner, former artist with Ballet British Columbia (Ballet BC), and Artistic Director and Owner Bleiddyn Bellis, Cecchetti Fellow and Examiner.

The Bridge Program is designed for students who are not yet established in the professional field of dance but have graduated from their high school academic and dance training programs; hence the name of the program. Year 1 of the program is 38 weeks in duration, and Year 2 and Year 3 are each 41 weeks and begining with the 4 week summer intensive.

Students are trained in ballet, pointe, classical repertoire, pas de deux, contemporary, pilates and jazz. Students explore varied methods of the choreographic process, observe guest artists’ projects, as well as receive classes in academic modules containing anatomy, ballet history and career exploration.

Dancers train up to 40 hours per week with classical ballet being the primary discipline of technical training. Holiday breaks are generally 1 week off at Christmas, 1 week off for Spring break and most statutory holidays. Once the academic year has ended in June, students have approximately 6 weeks before the next season begins. Students generally return to their home city or country on their summer break or locally acquire summer jobs or contracts.

Individual advising and collaboration with knowledgeable and experienced VAB faculty and guest choreographers connect students to avenues in the dance industry. Graduates are fully prepared for the next step on their career paths.